CAROLINE Flack’s close friend has described her “heartbreaking loss” and said she will “never ever, ever stop loving” the Love Island star.
The TV presenter was found dead at the age of 40 at her home in North London yesterday after taking her own life.
Her management said last night they were “devastated at the loss of our client and friend” and criticised the decision to press ahead with her assault case.
Today her close pal Mollie Grosberg shared an emotional tribute along with a series of snaps of them together.
They had gone rock-climbing just days before her tragic death.
Mollie wrote on Instagram: “I can’t even find the right words to say here and I’m sure it sounds rambly but she deserves a million tributes and more.
“Everyone remember her in the best way. Carrie always had a smile on her face, a naughty laugh and her heart open wide.
“When she let you in, you were the luckiest and she taught me to love everyone and forgive everyone. She forgave so easily and loved so hard and I’ll never ever ever stop loving her.”
She added: “Today feels like it’s not real and I wish it wasn’t. This girl was a force and always said the right thing, always made me feel safe and looked after even during her own s**t.
“This is the worst pain I’ve ever felt and we all feel it. This massive and painful and heartbreaking loss for all her friends and her incredible family.
“I hope we find peace with each other the way she has found it now. She brought us all together. I love you forever and always my baby girl. I love you forever and ever and ever.”
Earlier today Caroline’s boyfriend Lewis Burton said his “heart is broken” following the death of the TV presenter.
Lewis, who was not allowed to have any contact with his girlfriend since late last year due to her bail conditions over charges of an alleged assault on him, said he would now be her “voice” and would “get all the answers”, in an emotional tribute on Instagram.
Beside a picture of them together, he wrote: “My heart is broken we had something so special.
“I am so lost for words I am in so much pain I miss you so much I know you felt safe with me you always said I don’t think about anything else when I am with you and I was not allowed to be there this time I kept asking and asking.”
Burton, 27, added: “I will be your voice baby I promise I will ask all the questions you wanted and I will get all the answers nothing will bring you back but I will try make you proud everyday.
“I love you with all my heart.”
Caroline, who was described as “vulnerable” by her management, stepped down from presenting the current winter series of Love Island after she was charged with assaulting Lewis at her flat in Islington in December.
She entered a not guilty plea to the assault charge at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court and was said to be determined to prove her innocence.
Her bail conditions banned her from having contact with her boyfriend ahead of a trial next month.
In a statement released on Saturday night, her management company criticised the Crown Prosecution Service for pressing ahead with what it called her “show trial” even after her boyfriend said he did not support it.
Francis Ridley, of Money Talent Management, said: “In recent months Caroline had been under huge pressure because of an ongoing case and potential trial which has been well reported.
“The Crown Prosecution Service pursued this when they knew not only how very vulnerable Caroline was but also that the alleged victim did not support the prosecution and had disputed the CPS version of events.
“The CPS should look at themselves today and how they pursued a show trial that was not only without merit but not in the public interest. And ultimately resulted in significant distress to Caroline.”
The CPS said: “Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of Caroline Flack.
“Given the tragic circumstances, we will not comment on the specifics of this case at this stage.”
The tragedy has put the spotlight back on the pressures which come with TV celebrity.
Caroline is the fourth person linked to Love Island to have killed themselves.
Sophie Gradon, who appeared as a contestant in the show in 2016, was found dead at her home in 2018 at the age of 32. Her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong, who had found her body, killed himself three weeks later. He was 25.
Mike Thalassitis, who appeared in the 2017 series, was 26 when he was found dead in a park in March last year.
ITV said Love Island will not air tonight but will be back on Monday with a tribute to the former host.
A spokesman said: “Everybody at Love Island and ITV is shocked and saddened by this desperately sad news.
“Caroline was a much loved member of the Love Island team and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends.”
Caroline Flack’s boyfriend had posted a Valentine’s Day message
Lewis, 27, yesterday rushed back to the UK from a skiing holiday after being told the news
Love Island presenter Caroline Flack was found dead at her home yesterday
Tributes have poured out for the beloved ex-Strictly Come Dancing winner
Police and paramedics rushed to Carolines flat yesterday, but she was pronounced dead at the scene
The TV presenter took her own life and was tragically found dead yesterday
She took her life hours after being told the CPS were pursuing her assault charge
